As spring has officially begun, it is now getting closer to the race that stops the nation and also the event that stops the foundation (PMH Foundation that is). As the Melbourne Cup Luncheon at the Pan Pacific Perth is only 2 months away, final preparations are underway and the guest list continues to grow. On a daily basis many groups, organisations and individuals are calling for seats to the cities best Melbourne Cup luncheon. As this is a large event for the PMH Foundation, I have understood that even the small roles that I have been assigned to do such as data entry, research and researching potential donors is integral and the backbone to the event.
In the past several weeks in helping to plan this event, I have discovered that managing a successful charity event doesn’t just mean organisation and great management skills but it is also having the right relationships and connections, with this especially being the case in the not-profit industry. Networking to create these relationships is extremely important as these relationships can better acquire sponsorships, supplies, donations and/or guests. This is something I have discovered through one of my mentors, Guy. We had an unfortunate case within the team recently where a large beverage sponsor for the Melbourne Cup Luncheon decided to drop their sponsorship due to unforseen reasons, yet through one of Guy’s many contacts, we were able to quickly pick up another sponsor. These relationships that Guy has with many corporate clients in Perth and interstate locations has also managed to help acquire great donations for auctions and door prizes through connections at one major international airliner and other major organisations.
As practitioners, it is not just knowledge that is required, but it is also a personality that is friendly, communicative, outgoing and friendly. This is beneficial as it increases our social network and creates lasting relationships and connections that may benefit us, or the organisation we work for soon down the track. With this though, a level of professionalism still needs to apply. The degree of professionalism one must posses or must present varies, as relationships within the not-for-profit industry I have discovered are much more relaxed and open.
As I learn new skills and abilities every time I conduct my placement, it is still important for me to stay true to who I am and for me to use my personality to my advantage. This quick, self-made motto I believe is something that every PR practitioner should take into consideration everyday they go to work!
